Ireland were bowled out for only 100 runs as they lost by a whopping 138-run margin against Afghanistan in the first of three one-day games in Sharjah. Spin duo of debutante, Mujeeb Zadran and Rashid Khan wrecked the Irish batting line-up, picking up 7 wickets between them.
Nasir Jamal’s 53 runs and Rahmat Shah’s 50 runs steadied the Afghan innings after the early loss of Ihsanullah as Afghanistan posted 238/9 in their 50 overs, with Boyd Rankin (4/44) and Tim Murtagh (3/28) picking the most of the Afghan wickets to fall as Ireland were set a modest target. Afghanistan were also helped by a brilliant 48 runs knock by Rashid Khan & 36 quickfire runs from wicket-keeper, Shafiqullah Shafaq towards the end overs.
Irish batsmen had no answer of U-19 Asia Cup sensation, Mujeeb Zadran as he quickly picked up 4 wickets to derail the chase at the very start to reduce Ireland to 30/5 in the 14th over. William Porterfield (35 off 63) and Stuart Poynter (27 n.o off 42) were the only notable contributors to Ireland’s total of 100, which is also their fifth lowest total since gaining ODI status in 2007.
Dawlat Zadran (2/13) and Rashid Khan (3/28) were the perfect partners for Mujeeb during his spell as Afghanistan did not let any Irish batsmen dictate terms and dominated the 2nd half of the match from the onset. Afghanistan, thus take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series.
Mujeeb was adjudged the man of the match for his brilliant bowling spell on his International debut.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 238/9 in 50 overs (Nasir Jamal 53, Rahmat Shah 50, Rashid Khan 48, Shafiqullah Shafaq 36, Boyd Rankin 4/44, Tim Murtagh 3/28) beat Ireland 100 all out in 31.4 overs (William Porterfield 35, Stuart Poynter 27 no, Mujeeb Zadran 4/24, Rashid Khan 3/28, Dawlat Zadran 2/13) by 138 runs
